All about the DS N°7 Élysée: armor, 350 hp, and oleopneumatic suspension

It has become a deeply rooted tradition under the French Fifth Republic: the Bastille Day parade is the stage for a friendly yet intense battle of prestige between domestic automakers to supply the official vehicle for the Head of State. This year, for the 2026 national holiday, DS Automobiles has brilliantly won the ultimate honor by unveiling the spectacular DS N°7 Élysée. Succeeding the DS N°8 Présidentielle used during the May 8, 2025 commemorations, this bespoke creation represents the state's brand-new technological and secure showcase. As the first 100% electric official vehicle of the French Presidency, this custom ceremonial SUV does far more than protect the President; it also heralds the imminent market arrival of the all-new production-spec DS N°7.

A statuesque exterior dressed in Republican colors

The DS N°7 Élysée stands out instantly with a silhouette that is both imposing and exceptionally elegant, tailored specifically to meet the strict protocol requirements of the French Presidency. To offer an interior space worthy of its rank, engineers extended the wheelbase by 25 centimeters compared to the production model. This major structural change stretches the SUV's profile, granting it an enhanced road presence on the streets of Paris.

Visually, the vehicle introduces an exclusive paint scheme named Bleu Liberté. This deep, official color, first seen on the DS N°8 Présidentielle, is beautifully applied here to emphasize the volumes of the compact SUV. The backlit front grille, equipped with DS LUMINASCREEN technology, glows spectacularly in the Blue-White-Red of the French Republic. This tricolor theme is subtly repeated on the hood emblem, the rear tailgate trim, and the custom wheel center caps. Finally, the vehicle seamlessly integrates the essential tools of the presidential office, including removable flag holders and custom-integrated LED warning lights.

Interior design: a high-security mobile office of pure craftsmanship

Inside, the DS N°7 Élysée was designed from day one as a functional workspace for the President of the Republic. The rear compartment has been completely redesigned to serve as a highly secure, connected mobile office. For instant privacy, the rear side windows feature innovative adjustable tinting technology, allowing the occupant to control light and external visibility with a simple touch.

The cabin is a true showcase of French luxury craftsmanship and materials. Two color harmonies complement each other beautifully: a light gray Alcantara headliner provides a bright, calming ambiance, contrasting with the deep Bleu Éternel Nappa leather and Alcantara on the door panels and the signature "watchstrap" seats. The dashboard features exquisite ash wood trim laser-engraved with the profile of Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic. The air vents and steering wheel are adorned with delicate guilloché patterns, while exclusive "RF" embroidery and light gold pearl stitching complete this unique haute-couture atmosphere.

Mind-blowing presidential specs: electric power and oleopneumatic revival

Beneath its armored skin—meticulously engineered in Brittany by the experts at Centigon—the DS N°7 Élysée packs cutting-edge technology. Based on the architecture of the upcoming production DS N°7, this bespoke model is driven by a 100% electric E-TENSE powertrain delivering a combined 350 horsepower. Thanks to dual electric motors providing intelligent all-wheel drive, the SUV guarantees swift, secure acceleration in absolute silence. This setup is powered by a massive 97.2 kWh battery, manufactured in northern France at the ACC gigafactory.

However, the real engineering highlight lies in the chassis. To offset the heavy armor plating while preserving a legendary ride quality, the DS N°7 Élysée features a custom-built oleopneumatic suspension developed by French specialist Nimbus. This bespoke setup marks the triumphant return of hydraulic suspension technology to the French presidential fleet, a direct nod to General de Gaulle's legendary Citroën DS 19. The suspension delivers majestic stability during low-speed parades while offering a magic-carpet ride, completely isolating the cabin from the imperfections of Parisian cobblestones.

Conclusion: French industrial expertise at the highest level of state

With the official entry of the DS N°7 Élysée into the presidential fleet, France reaffirms its dedication to automotive craftsmanship. By mobilizing expertise from all over the country—from Centigon’s armor plating in Brittany to ACC’s batteries in the north, and Nimbus’s custom suspensions in the south—this unique SUV serves as an ambassador for a united and innovative domestic industry. It also provides a phenomenal launchpad for the production-spec DS N°7. Expected in showrooms this September with an impressive electric range of up to 740 kilometers (WLTP), the new model is set to bring the absolute comfort and driving serenity of its prestigious presidential sibling to everyday roads.